Porsche have ruffled a lot of feathers over the past year for those loyal fanatics - gone are the days of flat six engines in the Cayman for example. So it’s not surprising the latest model of the 911 would take a detour down the path of efficiency and reducing emissions. Think of it like two different slices of cake - if the baker could make one look and taste almost the same or better than the other but had a fraction of the calories, which one would you want? Today we’ll be reviewing something a little extra special over the regular 911, the Targa 4 GTS.

The Targa was first introduced back in 1965 and allowed you to remove the section of roof between A pillar to B pillar just like a “T-top” that some other manufactures offered. In addition, you could retract the roof from the B pillar to C pillar providing you with a unique experience and style. Fast forward to 1995, and after 3 generations that signature Targa look was replaced with a glass roof that slid back. It was a mediocre effort that only Porsche fans would have taken notice of. That’s certainly not the case with the latest Targa, as Porsche have now reintegrated that styling heritage. The roof now electronically folds back into the curved glass, and that bold, chunky, iconic B pillar is back. The ‘4’ here indicates that you’ve got an all wheel drive, and as such you’ll notice that its proportions are wider to accommodate the wheel track. The GTS badge simply means that you’re getting pre-selected options that Porsche feels are best suited for the vehicle, which would otherwise be more expensive if you selected them yourself. My favorite option that really give the GTS a sportier stance is the exclusive, silky-black 20-inch center locking wheels, which were previously only available on Turbo models. The SportDesign front bumper has larger intakes, and a gloss black front lip provides additional downforce. Moving to the side you have black GTS logos on the doors, and those with a keen eye will notice the underside of the mirrors are also painted black, along with the wraparound B pillar. Following on to the rear, the spoiler extends further than non-GTS models. Tinted tail lights and exhaust pipes are finished in black, as well as the air intake. The PASM sport chassis allows the body to be lowered 20mm in total to complement its style, in addition to the performance benefits.

Stepping into the cabin, the GTS sets itself apart from a regular model with Alcantara-wrapped trim almost anywhere you touch. The steering wheel feels exceptionally sporty with a red stitching accent, and the seats look stunning with Alcantara inserts. Simply put, if you’re a fan of Alcantara then just get yourself the GTS as its going to cost more than ticking each option on the list. The infotainment is much more responsive than previous generations and even the 7-inch touchscreen feels as precise as swiping your finger on a normal tablet. The instrument cluster offers a nice blend of historical analog gauges, with a smaller LCD display on the right with customizable information. One other feature that comes in handy is a dial to switch between driving modes, located on the steering wheel. And what’s even better than that is the little black button in the center - push it and for 20 seconds you’ll get everything maxed out to create some space between you and your tailgater, or for an overtaking maneuver.

If you’ve ever wondered why Porsche has such a distinctive sound, it was probably due to having a naturally aspirated flat 6 engine (pistons firing horizontal rather than vertically). Unfortunately times change, and automotive manufactures need to move with the times. So with the latest generation came the slightly smaller 3 liter flat 6 engine, but with twin Turbos (previously only reserved for the ‘Turbo’ models). This means increased horsepower of 450 hp and a max torque of 550Nm, available between 2,150 – 5,000rpm. This all circles back to when you mash that pedal and you accelerate faster as more torque is available at lower rpm. You also don’t have to drive as hard to extract performance, making day to day driving much easier as well as more fuel efficient. When you hit the track on the weekend you can also set faster lap times, should you be a skilled enough driver. Off the line the Targa 4 GTS will hit 100km/h in 3.7 seconds, going in to a top speed of 306km/h. Handling-wise the all-wheel drive system provides a great level of stability and grip, with excellent steering feel, although that initial understeer characteristic is present. I would love to test drive a model without rear-axle steering, just to compare the difference. Paired with a PDK 7-speed transmission, shifts are crisp and almost instantaneous. Although I haven't driven the Targa 4 GTS on track, the iron disc brakes are excellent on the road, with good feel and no signs of fading.

It’s clear that Porsche aim to satisfy any potential or existing customers with an extensive model lineup. In the case of the Targa 4 GTS you’d probably be someone special, considering the additional cost associated with the model. But the Targa embodies true style and heritage, making it stand out from the rest of the 911 lineup as well as out there on the road.

2017 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS Review

When a regular 911 Carrera isn’t enough

Sam McClusky

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Porsche have ruffled a lot of feathers over the past year for those loyal fanatics - gone are the days of flat six engines in the Cayman for example. So it’s not surprising the latest model of the 911 would take a detour down the path of efficiency and reducing emissions. Think of it like two different slices of cake - if the baker could make one look and taste almost the same or better than the other but had a fraction of the calories, which one would you want? Today we’ll be reviewing something a little extra special over the regular 911, the Targa 4 GTS.

The Targa was first introduced back in 1965 and allowed you to remove the section of roof between A pillar to B pillar just like a “T-top” that some other manufactures offered. In addition, you could retract the roof from the B pillar to C pillar providing you with a unique experience and style. Fast forward to 1995, and after 3 generations that signature Targa look was replaced with a glass roof that slid back. It was a mediocre effort that only Porsche fans would have taken notice of. That’s certainly not the case with the latest Targa, as Porsche have now reintegrated that styling heritage. The roof now electronically folds back into the curved glass, and that bold, chunky, iconic B pillar is back. The ‘4’ here indicates that you’ve got an all wheel drive, and as such you’ll notice that its proportions are wider to accommodate the wheel track. The GTS badge simply means that you’re getting pre-selected options that Porsche feels are best suited for the vehicle, which would otherwise be more expensive if you selected them yourself. My favorite option that really give the GTS a sportier stance is the exclusive, silky-black 20-inch center locking wheels, which were previously only available on Turbo models. The SportDesign front bumper has larger intakes, and a gloss black front lip provides additional downforce. Moving to the side you have black GTS logos on the doors, and those with a keen eye will notice the underside of the mirrors are also painted black, along with the wraparound B pillar. Following on to the rear, the spoiler extends further than non-GTS models. Tinted tail lights and exhaust pipes are finished in black, as well as the air intake. The PASM sport chassis allows the body to be lowered 20mm in total to complement its style, in addition to the performance benefits.

Stepping into the cabin, the GTS sets itself apart from a regular model with Alcantara-wrapped trim almost anywhere you touch. The steering wheel feels exceptionally sporty with a red stitching accent, and the seats look stunning with Alcantara inserts. Simply put, if you’re a fan of Alcantara then just get yourself the GTS as its going to cost more than ticking each option on the list. The infotainment is much more responsive than previous generations and even the 7-inch touchscreen feels as precise as swiping your finger on a normal tablet. The instrument cluster offers a nice blend of historical analog gauges, with a smaller LCD display on the right with customizable information. One other feature that comes in handy is a dial to switch between driving modes, located on the steering wheel. And what’s even better than that is the little black button in the center - push it and for 20 seconds you’ll get everything maxed out to create some space between you and your tailgater, or for an overtaking maneuver.

If you’ve ever wondered why Porsche has such a distinctive sound, it was probably due to having a naturally aspirated flat 6 engine (pistons firing horizontal rather than vertically). Unfortunately times change, and automotive manufactures need to move with the times. So with the latest generation came the slightly smaller 3 liter flat 6 engine, but with twin Turbos (previously only reserved for the ‘Turbo’ models). This means increased horsepower of 450 hp and a max torque of 550Nm, available between 2,150 – 5,000rpm. This all circles back to when you mash that pedal and you accelerate faster as more torque is available at lower rpm. You also don’t have to drive as hard to extract performance, making day to day driving much easier as well as more fuel efficient. When you hit the track on the weekend you can also set faster lap times, should you be a skilled enough driver. Off the line the Targa 4 GTS will hit 100km/h in 3.7 seconds, going in to a top speed of 306km/h. Handling-wise the all-wheel drive system provides a great level of stability and grip, with excellent steering feel, although that initial understeer characteristic is present. I would love to test drive a model without rear-axle steering, just to compare the difference. Paired with a PDK 7-speed transmission, shifts are crisp and almost instantaneous. Although I haven't driven the Targa 4 GTS on track, the iron disc brakes are excellent on the road, with good feel and no signs of fading.

It’s clear that Porsche aim to satisfy any potential or existing customers with an extensive model lineup. In the case of the Targa 4 GTS you’d probably be someone special, considering the additional cost associated with the model. But the Targa embodies true style and heritage, making it stand out from the rest of the 911 lineup as well as out there on the road.